Hello everyone! I just purchased my 88 and, while I love the car to death, it's been giving me nothing but trouble. 3 days after I get it home, the clutch went out of it. My master cylinder just started acting funny, and just last night, it broke down. I was driving home from work, and I stopped at a gas station to get cigarettes. I left the car running. When I came back out, the car sounded weird. It would rev slightly then drop back down. Finally it just died. After that, it would start but not stay running or idle whatsoever. I left it overnight and just went and pulled it home this morning. I tried to start it today, but it goes straight to 3k rpms and dies. Its not out of gas, I'd just gotten gas earlier that day. Also, right after I start it, if I so much as touch the gas, it dies immediatly. So what I am wondering is, what should I check, what might need replaced, etc. Thanks in advance!

 

Well theres many possibilites.....first thing, check the air filter, see if thats clogged up. Could be a vaccum leak too, leaving the car running spray some ether around, see if the car jumps up in revs, if it does, remember where you were spraying and check the hoses. If not it could be something obvious that I am missing.

 

Filters ok. I cant really keep it running long enough to do a vacuum check either.

 

Check easy things first...
Try scan for error codes off the ECU?


-Ted

 

I got a code reader in the mail. Should be here soon. Will a code reader really tell me enough about the engine? My dad told me since it was an 88, there wouldn't be too much it could tell me. But then again I've never owned a foreign car of any year, let alone an RX7....

 

In general, your dad is correct. Error codes on that car are series of light flashes that could lead you in the right direction, but don't count on it. You can build a simple "code reader" to get the error codes. The procedure is pretty simple but since I can't remember the specifics, I'll see if I can find that for you. In the meantime, download a copy of the factory workshop manual (see the FAQ at the top of this section) for the meaning of the codes.

EDIT: Here's a start. Quote from the web site at the URL below:
"However, RX7 models 86-88, do not have a built in Check Engine lamp. Instead, the error codes are reported by two electrical signals in the Diagnostic Connector located under the hood near the front-left strut tower. The Shop Manual explains how to read error codes using Mazda's Digital Code Checker (DCC) which is an electronic device available from Mazda. (we know of at least one after-market DCC, available from Mazdatrix ) The DCC is connected to the diagnostic connector and ground, and it displays a two-digit error-code (or zero of no error exists) on a seven-segment LED display. The DCC is possibly the most convenient way of reading the error codes except that its cost ($1500+) makes it a non-practical solution for most RX7 owners. In this document we outline the construction and usage of a simpler DCC that be built in few minutes and costs less than $10. "

Go to the web site below for details:
http://www.teamfc3s.org/info/article...odes/main.html

 

Crank and die sounds like one huge vacuum leak. Check obvious vacuum lines to make sure none have worked loose or have major cracks. Check the air flow meter plug to make sure its on correctly.

 

Go48, thanks for that. I wish I would have known that sooner, otherwise I wouldn't have bought the so called "official mazda code reader" It's ok though.. I'm not out too much cash.

 

You guys wanna hear something weird? I got this code reader in the mail today. I hooked it up to my car and went to turn the key on. I accidently turned it too far, and the car fired right up... I know theres no way that code reader is some miracle in a box, but it was weird as hell...

 

im having the same problem almost. i did a motor swap and my car will NOT idle at all. it starts and runs just fine but no idle even after warmed up. ive checked for vacume leeks everywhere even pulled the MIM and up off and replaced lots to so i wont be much help lol. where did you get your reader at? lol if it will do that to yours it shoudl do it to mine haha